Criteria Mechanical Reasoning Assessment (CMRA) - Information Brief

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Kurz

Criteria Mechanical Reasoning Assessment (CMRA) is a short, engaging, mobile-friendly test designed to predict job performance in roles involving mechanical tools, equipment, and machinery. It measures mechanical aptitude and reasoning ability through up to 30 image-based scenario questions completed within 15 minutes. The assessment adapts dynamically from an item pool to provide a relatively unique experience, while keeping consistent question structure and difficulty. It also supports remote, unsupervised use with security best practices and provides suggested score ranges for roles such as electricians and forklift operations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Measures

Predicts

Questions

Time

What is the CMRA?

Why use the CMRA?

Which jobs is the CMRA applicable for?

What is the candidate experience like?

Flexible testing on any device

Ensuring a fair candidate experience

Dynamic item bank

Time adjustments

Secure online assessment

Detailed assessment session logging

What score ranges are available?

INFORMATION BRIEF Criteria Mechanical Reasoning Assessment (CMRA) ©2025 Criteria Corp. INFORMATION BRIEF Criteria Mechanical Reasoning Assessment (CMRA) Predict job performance in roles involving mechanical tools, equipment and machinery. The Criteria Mechanical Reasoning Assessment (CMRA) measures a candidate’s mechanical aptitude and reasoning ability. It’s a short, engaging, mobile-friendly assessment that can predict performance for occupations that involve operating, maintaining and servicing tools, equipment and machinery. The CMRA is ideal for a variety of entryto manager-level roles requiring mechanical aptitude. MEASURES Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn how to operate, maintain, install, and repair equipment and machinery | PREDICTS
How candidates will perform in roles involving the operation, maintenance, and servicing of tools, equipment, and machinery | | | --- | --- | | QUESTIONS | | | Candidates complete | | | up to 30 questions | | TIME The CMRA is timed and takes up to 15 minutes to complete CMRA Information Brief 2 What is the CMRA? The CMRA assesses mechanical reasoning ability, which is a core cognitive attribute that can predict performance across a wide range of positions. During the assessment, candidates complete up to 30 questions. Each item features an imagebased scenario, which requires candidates to identify the correct response, based on relevant mechanical reasoning concepts and principles. Candidates have 15 minutes to complete as many of the 30 questions as they can. The questions are presented in straightforward, easy to understand language, which make the CMRA suitable for all candidates with an English reading ability of grade six or above. The questions gradually increase in difficulty as candidates progress through the assessment. The assessment is streamed dynamically: each candidate receives questions from an item pool that contains multiple items of the same type and level of difficulty. This means the assessment offers a relatively unique experience for each candidate, while maintaining the same number and complexity of questions. Why use the CMRA? Research shows that cognitive aptitude is one of the most accurate predictors of job success: ✓ 2.5x as predictive as reference checks ✓ 4x as predictive as experience ✓ 6.5x as predictive as education level Assessing specifically for mechanical aptitude enables you to assess each candidate’s ability to learn and apply knowledge and skills related to mechanical aptitude. The CMRA questions are designed to encompass scenarios that represent a broad spectrum of mechanical reasoning areas, including weight distribution, fulcrums, air flow, buoyancy, gears, pressure, momentum, speed, light, force, and other related subject matter. By targeting all of these areas, the CMRA provides a broader measure of general mental ability than other narrower assessments of mechanical reasoning. In addition, the scenarios included in the CMRA were carefully designed to minimize gender and racial/ethnic bias. The CMRA has demonstrably less adverse impact than other tests of mechanical aptitude. The CMRA has been extensively validated, demonstrating that the test is highly predictive of job performance in roles involved in the operation, maintenance and servicing of tools, equipment, and machinery. CMRA Information Brief 3 Which jobs is the CMRA applicable for? The CMRA is particularly suited towards entry-to manager-level roles, where employees are required to process information, solve problems and learn new skills in relation to mechanical actions. Such roles include construction, custodial, electrical, maintenance, manufacturing, mechanical, technical sales, utility, and warehouse operations. Some of the more common roles our customers use the CMRA for include: ✓ Machine Operators ✓ Electricians ✓ Construction Workers ✓ Field Service Technicians ✓ Apprentice intakes

FAQs

What does the CMRA measure?

The CMRA measures mechanical reasoning ability, including a candidate’s mechanical aptitude and reasoning skills. It is designed to predict performance across many roles involving mechanical systems and tasks.

How long is the CMRA and how many questions are included?

The CMRA is timed and takes up to 15 minutes to complete. Candidates complete up to 30 questions, each presented as an image-based scenario.

How does the CMRA ensure test security and fairness for candidates?

The CMRA uses a dynamic item bank so candidates do not receive the exact same set of questions. It also supports time adjustments for candidates with relevant accessibility needs and provides secure online assessment with detailed session logging.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Kurz

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